Pupils at a struggling school in East Yorkshire will receive more than £3,000 in prize money for passing five or more GCSEs.

Last year only four pupils from Kingswood High School in Hull passed five GCSEs at grades A to C.

This year 31 pupils made the grade after being promised individual cheques for £100.

The school was closed in July 1999 after continually low results but reopened in September the same year as part of the government's "Fresh Start" programme - a project aimed at giving a new lease of life to failing schools.

It's like dangling a carrot in front of them and saying: 'If you work hard you'll get the money'

Kira Rowe, student

The cash prizes were introduced as an incentive to improve results.

Headteacher Kevin Beaton said: "This is great news for all the youngsters, parents and teachers who have all worked so hard to get these great results.

"The reward scheme is no different to what parents have done for years.

"The sort of area the school is in means that some parents can't afford to give their children a £100 cheque just for working hard at school."

Kevin Beaton: "Great news"

Under a scheme which started in January, a £15,000 reward budget is available for cash and gifts to reward children for good attendance, behaviour and academic progress.

Other prizes have included mountain bikes and shopping vouchers.

The initiative is sponsored by a local property development group, Kingswood Parks Development Company, which has invested a total of £40,000 in improving the school.

One pupil, who told of her delight after passing nine GCSEs, said she thought the scheme should be introduced elsewhere.

'Really pleased'

Kira Rowe, 16, from Bransholme, East Yorkshire, said: "I think it's a great idea because it just gives that extra push to some people to work that little bit harder.

"It's like dangling a carrot in front of them and saying: 'If you work hard you'll get the money, but you'll also get the results you need to go to college', which is even more important.